Football

Whitworth Opens Spring Practice

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth football team opened 2014 spring practice on Monday afternoon with a two-hour session that included drills, formation implementations and specific teams work.

Monday's practice was also the first time the Pirates were on the field with new head coach Rod Sandberg, as well as offensive coordinator Alan Stanfield.

"I know the players are extremely excited to learn our new offensive and defensive schemes, and just generally to see the difference in how practices will be run," Sandberg said. "We have an amazing group of coaches who are taking a lot of pride in how they prepare to teach, drill and impact our players. It is going to be fun to see it all come together out on the field this spring."

NCAA Division III rules limit Whitworth to 15 practices over a five-week period. The Pirates will be practicing on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (4:15 – 6:00) and Saturday mornings (11:00 – noon) from now until May 10th.

"I am so excited to take maximum advantage of these practices and have a lot of work to do to become the type of team we want to be," Sandberg said. "It is great to get out on the field and begin to determine what kind of team we have. You can only learn so much in the winter when you are inside in the weight room or out on the track."

Whitworth will conclude its spring practice series with a Spring Fling on May 10th in the Pine Bowl. Practice that day will include several competitive drills and will end with a picnic BBQ that all friends of the program are invited to attend. Off-season awards will be presented.